- Avoid hidden sugars, such as cough drops, lemon drops, hard candy, breath mints, chewing gum, soda pop, etc. People with dry mouths can get literally dozens of cavities in a matter of a few months.

- Use a prescription fluoride preparation. These get more fluoride to the teeth than regular fluoride toothpaste. They are available as a mouthrinse, brush-on gel, or a gel applied in a custom-made mouth tray. Ask us for prescriptions, or construction of a custom fluoride tray. Prevident and Gel-Kam are examples.

- Maintain superior oral hygiene habits: brush at least twice a day for two minutes per brushing, floss every day, and have your teeth cleaned/checked twice a year.

What will help relieve my dry mouth?

- Increase water intake throughout the day, and take frequent small sips

- Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

- Protect lips with a balm.

- In cold weather keep mouth and nose covered with a scarf when outdoors.

- Don’t use tobacco or alcohol.

- Avoid strong toothpastes.

- Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol.

- Use only toothpastes and mouthwashes that don’t contain sodium laurel sulfate.